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In this Section...

Getting Started Preparing Your Application Submitting Your Application

Once you have planned your route, you are ready to prepare your application. There are six broad evidence categories that USCIS will look for. You can think of these as lenses they will use to understand your case. They are:

Identity & Civil Documents
Relationship Eligibility
Financial Sponsorship
Admissibility & Background
Immigration Status & Entry
USCIS Forms

Below, you will find a table that shows what you may need to submit for each category. It is meant to help you clarify what matters for your specific situation.

What Evidence Do I Need? A table showing required documents organized by petitioner type (Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen) and beneficiary relationship (Child, Spouse, Parent/Child, Spouse). Documents are grouped into categories: Identity & Civil Documents, Relationship Eligibility Evidence, Immigration Status & Entry, Financial Sponsorship Evidence, Admissibility & Background, and USCIS Forms. Each item is marked as Required, If Applicable, Adjustment of Status Only, or Optional.
Jump To...

Now that you understand the big picture, this section will walk you through putting your evidence together.

Need Help?

Immigration forms and processes can be confusing, and each case is unique. If you become frustrated, confused, or uncertain at any point, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited legal representative, as this guide is not to be used as legal advice.

You can find free or low-cost legal help here:

Get Your Documents Ready

Let's start with what documents you should have ready to fill out your forms. You will need things for both the Petitioner (The U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the Beneficiary (the immigrant).

For the Petitioner
U.S. citizen or green card holder

  • Proof of status (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card)
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate of child, etc.)
  • Proof of prior divorces *
  • Tax records and W2

For the Beneficiary
Immigrant

  • Passport biographic page
  • Birth certificate (with certified English translation if in another language)
  • Marriage certificate (if marriage-based)
  • I-94 arrival/departure record (if in the U.S.)
  • Visa used to enter the U.S. *
  • Medical exam results (Also known as Form I-693, submitted with or after I-485)
  • Prior immigration records *

* if it applies to you

The Forms

There are many USCIS forms with names that may get confusing. If you have trouble understanding them, you can use the information below to help.

Filed by the Petitioner

I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative

Formally requests to sponsor a family member for immigration.

I-864 | Affidavit of Support

Proves the petitioner can financially support the immigrant.

Filed by the Beneficiary

I-485 | Adjustment of Status

Requests a green card for someone already in the U.S.

I-693 | Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

Filled out by the civil surgeon

Documents the results of the required immigration medical exam.

I-765 | Application for Work Authorization (Optional)

Requests permission to work while the case is pending.

I-131 | Application for Travel Document (Optional)

Requests permission to travel abroad while the case is pending.

Building Your Packet

Now let's go through each evidence category and prepare your packet to submit with your forms.

Identity & Civil Documents

Field Notes

Identity & Civil Documents

This section is about accuracy. Clean, legible, and easy to verify is the goal.

Purpose: Establish who everyone is and how they are legally connected.

Includes:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorce decrees
  • Certified translations

How to Organize:

Use clear, readable copies. Do not submit originals unless specifically required since USCIS will not send them back.

  • Make sure names and dates are consistent across documents.
  • If a document is not in English, include:
    • A full English translation
    • A signed translator certification
      If you would like to use a template, you can use the Google Drive template linked below:
      Translation Certificate Template
  • Group these documents together at the front of your packet or under a clearly labeled divider like "Identity & Civil Documents."

Relationship Eligibility

I've Been There
u/StaplesRenter

"My wife and I only knew each other for 4 months prior to our marriage. Our case was approved in 2 months. Here's what we submitted:

  • Summary of our story of how we met, caught feels, and got married
  • Relationship timeline with every outing we ever went on or other significant activity/date
  • Stylized collage of our wedding photos
  • Other photos of us (5 pages with 2 photos each)
  • Screenshots with URLs of our appearances on public social media or websites
  • Screenshots of text messages, call logs, and money transfers
  • Two notarized third party affidavits
  • Planned Honeymoon Itinerary + every travel/hotel/tour/car rental booking
  • Lease Agreements
  • Car Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Family Phone Plan
  • Costco Membership
  • AAA Membership

The only additional evidence I was asked to present in our interview was more photos of us since our filing, which were mostly of us on our honeymoon."

Read the Thread
Field Notes

For Spouses

Avoid submitting dozens of similar items. A small, representative set is usually stronger than volume.

Field Notes

For Parents or Children

This is very simple. You just need whatever combination of documents that proves that your relationship is legally recognized.

Purpose: Show why your family relationship qualifies under immigration law.

This category looks different depending on the relationship.

For spouses ▼

Includes:

  • Documents that span different points in time
    • Travel records for shared vacations or visiting each other
      • Boarding passes
      • Passport stamps
      • Hotel stays
    • Photos of you with each other's families over time
  • Evidence that shows shared responsibility or decision-making
    • Bank statements of shared accounts
    • Shared credit card statements
    • Joint rental agreement or mortgage
    • Shared utility bills
    • Insurance documents

How to Organize:

  • Group evidence by type or theme. For example:
    • Housing
    • Finances
    • Insurance and benefits
    • Photos
  • Label everything. A simple caption goes a long way.
    • Who is in the photo?
    • When it was taken?
    • Where it was taken?
    • If you would like a template for organizing and captioning your photos, you can use the Google Drive one using the link below:
      Photo Caption Template
For parents or children ▼

Includes:

  • Birth certificates
  • Adoption decrees
  • Legitimation documents

How to Organize:

  • Place your documents next to each other in your packet.
  • If something requires explanation, include a short written note rather than assuming USCIS will figure it out.

Immigration Status & Entry (Adjustment of Status Only)

Field Notes

Immigration Status & Entry

This is a timeline of your entries and exits and any other immigration attempts so USCIS understands your immigration history.

Purpose: Explain how the beneficiary entered the U.S. and their current immigration context.

Includes:

  • Passport biographic and visa pages
  • Form I-94 or entry/parole record
  • Any prior immigration documents

How to Organize:

  • Start the section with evidence that shows you entered the country legally. This means your passport pages and Form I-94.
  • Place any prior immigration documents you have in chronological order after.

Financial Sponsorship

Field Notes

Financial Sponsorship

This is just about proving you meet a threshold. Being able to show the petitioner meets that number is what matters here.

Purpose: Show that the applicant will be financially supported as required by law.

Includes:

  • Petitioner's most recent tax return
  • Petitioner's W-2, pay stubs, and/or employer letters

How to Organize:

  • Start this section with the most recent tax return, and then follow with the additional supporting documents
  • If there are multiple sponsors, don't mix their documents together without headings.

Admissibility & Background

Field Notes

Admissibility & Background

This category is often smaller than people expect. If it applies to you, clarity and completeness matter.

Purpose: Confirm eligibility to receive a green card under U.S. law.

Includes:

  • The immigration medical exam (Form I-693)

Keep sealed medical exam result sealed. Do not open it.

  • Vaccination review conducted by a civil surgeon

If you have previous criminal charges, this also includes record of those. Include certified court dispositions if there were arrests or charges. Do not submit partial records or summaries, and place explanations directly after the related document if needed.

How to Organize:

  • Start with the sealed Form I-693.
  • Group any legal records clearly and label them neutrally.

Organizing Your Packet

Congratulations! At this point, you should have everything you need for each evidence category. Let's move on to assembling and organizing the full packet.

Start With Structure

A strong packet usually follows a simple flow:

  1. Payment
  2. A short cover letter (optional but helpful)
  3. Completed forms
  4. Identity and civil documents
  5. Relationship evidence
  6. Financial sponsorship evidence
  7. Immigration history *
  8. Medical exam *
  9. Any additional supporting documents

* if it applies to you

The Cover Letter

A cover letter works like a guide for the immigration officer reviewing your case. It explains who is applying, what forms are included, and what documents are in the packet. The cover letter is not required, but it is a good idea to include one. It may help prevent delays.

If you would like to work off of a template, you can use the one linked below. Please be mindful as you use it, and be sure to customize everything so it matches your specific packet.

Cover Letter Template
I've Been There
u/JHSD_0408

"We did a cover letter with a table of contents outlining our evidence. We also captioned all photos with who/where/when/etc."

Read the Thread
I've Been There
u/Fancy_Challenge768

"I suggest to have separate header page explaining what kinds of evidence it has. I had below header pages to organize the evidence. I submitted:

0. Evidence for Bonafide Marriage

  • 1. Joint Financials
  • 2. Joint Insurances
  • 3. Join pictures and trips
  • 4. Evidence for Common Residence
  • 5. Affidavits from Friends and Family"
Read the Thread

Planning on Mailing a Paper Packet?

  • Use single-sided printing unless instructions say otherwise.
  • Do not bind the packet in a way that makes it hard to separate.
    • For example, choose binder clips instead of staples
  • Place dividers between major sections.
I've Been There
u/HeavyOpposite7338

"Take a look to the tips for filing on their website. If you want to label the documents with tabs, do so at the bottom of the page rather than on the side. According to the information on their website, this will make it easier for them to review. Also include the cover letter

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/tips-for-filing-forms-by-mail"

Read the Thread
I've Been There
u/gevorgter

"I need to send in i751 form. There is an option to do it online. Naturally I think it's the best since it's guaranteed to end up in their computers faster comparing to waiting on someone opening envelope, scanning it....e.t.c.

My only concern is that it is a new way of doing things and I do not want to be a guinea pig...

UPDATE: We did it online, easy and fast, in less than a week we got a letter about extension of the green card to 48 month. Process is working the same as if you file it through regular mail except there are numerous benefits of filing online. Save $50, get better visibility, get result faster... no cons, only benefits."

Read the Thread

It is time to submit your application! Take a deep breath and take it one step at a time, making sure to read through everything carefully.

You can file:

  • Online through a USCIS account (for eligible forms), or
  • By mailing a paper packet to a USCIS lockbox
File Online ▼

Step 1: Confirm your form can be filed online.

You can check here

Step 2: Create or log into your USCIS account.

Step 3: Complete the online form

  • Answer each question carefully.
  • Do not guess.
  • Save often.

Step 4: Upload your evidence

  • Use clear scans.
  • Use simple file names. For example:
    • I-130.pdf
    • Marriage-Certificate.pdf
    • Joint-Bank-Statements-2022-2023.pdf
  • Upload documents in the correct section.

Step 5: Pay online.

At the end of the process, you will pay electronically using a debit card or credit card.

Step 6: Submit and save confirmation

  • Download your receipt and keep a copy of everything you submitted.
Mail a Paper Packet ▼

Step 1: Confirm the correct mailing address

Check the official USCIS website using the buttons below for the correct address for your form and state.

Step 2: Complete the payment authorization form.

USCIS now only accepts electronic payments. They no longer accept paper checks or money orders. For mailed applications, you must include a payment authorization form for debit or credit card.

You have two payment options:

  • Form G-1650 — Authorizes a direct ACH debit from a U.S. bank account (checking or savings).
  • Form G-1450 — Authorizes payment by credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.

You must choose one payment method for your filing. You cannot mix both forms in the same application packet.

Here are things to keep in mind when filling out your payment form:

  • Use the latest edition of the form from the USCIS website.
  • Fill it out in black ink (or type it).
  • The account must be from a U.S. bank.
  • The account holder must sign by hand.
  • Typed signatures are not accepted.
  • If someone else is paying for you, they must complete and sign the form.

Important Payment Rules

  • Each USCIS form requires its own payment authorization form.
    • Example: If filing I-485 and I-765 together, you must complete a separate G-1650 (or G-1450) for each.
  • You cannot combine multiple filing fees on one payment form.
  • You cannot mix debit and credit forms in the same filing.
  • If splitting a fee between two cards, you must use the same form type and make sure the total equals the correct filing fee.

Step 3: Check your packet

Place the payment authorization form on top of your entire packet. Then, go through your packet and ensure that everything is there and accurate. If you need a refresher, you can go back through the Building Your Packet section.

Step 4: Make a full copy

Scan or photocopy everything before mailing.

Step 5: Mail with tracking

Use a mailing service with tracking and keep your receipt.

Step 6: Wait for your receipt notice

  • If payment is approved, USCIS will issue a receipt notice.
  • If the payment is declined, USCIS may reject the entire filing.
Field Notes

Notify Your Bank

Before mailing your packet:

  • Contact your bank.
  • Tell them you are making a payment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • Ask them to allow the transaction.
  • If using a debit card, ask them to remove any "ACH debit block." Many applications are rejected because the bank declines the payment.